Thai Police Arrest 72 in Crackdown on Illicit Business Operations
Bang Phli, Samut Prakan – A total of 72 individuals—including 51 Thais and 21 Chinese nationals—were arrested during a raid on an accounting firm accused of illegally registering businesses using Thai nominees for foreign clients.
Massive Fraud Operation Uncovered
Authorities seized evidence worth over 150 million baht, including:
✅ Five land title deeds
✅ 332 company stamps
✅ Documents linked to business operations and visa applications
The firm is now under investigation for helping 15 companies violate the Foreign Business Act by enabling foreigners to own and operate businesses under Thai names—a practice strictly regulated under Thai law.
Link to Interpol-Wanted Suspect
The raid was triggered by the earlier arrest of a Chinese suspect, Lee, wanted by Interpol for extorting Chinese nationals, causing damages of 14 billion baht. Lee and his gang issued fake ID cards and visas through a front company, leading police to the Bang Phli accounting firm.
Investigators discovered that the firm was owned by a Chinese woman, Yian Zhao (alias Venus), who operated remotely from China. She reportedly coordinated with Chinese clients via WeChat, using Thai employees as business fronts.
Government Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Businesses
Pol Maj Gen Thatphum Charuprat, head of the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD), stated that these fraudulent business setups severely harm Thailand’s economy.
With enough evidence collected, police obtained court approval to raid two locations, leading to the arrests of all 72 suspects.
Authorities are now preparing to take legal action against the involved companies and dismantle the network that facilitated foreign-controlled businesses in violation of Thai law.
